Initial thoughts are very positive!
* Top-loader
* Made in EU (their website is not specific)
* Reminds me a lot of the Miraphone bag, but less than half the price.
* Quality construction -- nice thick material and padding seems pretty substantial
* Good zippers!
* Bell cap has reinforced plastic disk, like the Miraphone gig bags.
* Perhaps best of all, the shoulder straps are fully padded, and this is VERY comfortable to carry around. I tried walking around with it the other day and was impressed.
* Not ugly. Maybe not quite as handsome as Gotz, but not a bad looking bag.
* Reflective strips.
* In-bell mouthpiece pocket and front pocket for music
* I think the carry handles are backwards from where I usually want/find them. Guess there has to be one problem somewhere.
* Not custom fitted, so you have to be okay with "close enough". My tuba is a little loose in the bag, but is not problematic
* Not expensive. With the Euro where it is now, price plus shipping for an F tuba bag from FMB is about $150.
https://en.soundline-gigbags.de/produkte/tuba/f-tuba
Mine doesn't have the Soundline embroidery on the front. A seam ripper would make quick enough work of that anyway, and I think it looks a lot better without it.
I'll see how it holds up over time, but it seems to be quite well made, especially considering the price. Biggest concern for me is the attachment of the backpack straps to the bag, and the plastic (
) D rings. And it's not so much a concern outright, as it is acknowledgement that a Cronkhite or Superfine has straps that you know are never going anywhere. But for 15% of the price, there must be a tradeoff besides a custom fitment. I'll have to see how it goes, though I doubt I'll put it through much rigorous wear.Oh, and tuba plus bag goes easily into the trunk, without exiting my garage first.
Not as good looking as Gotz.
Not as well-fit (or as bright blue) as Miraphone
Not as thick and suitcasey as Cronkhite.
Not as fine as Superfine.
But, it seems like it could be a solid budget option if it wears well.
I'll post some actual photos of mine when I get a chance. It looks nicer in person than the marketing photos.
